The Real Cost of Van Life

Is Van Life Really As Cheap As it Sounds?

Van life can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. Gas and groceries are obvious, but what about tolls, paid campsites, cooking fuel, and health insurance? Those costs can honestly add up so fast.

Some people make van life work on a tight budget, while others spend as much as they would in a house. This guide breaks down the real expenses: what to expect, what most people forget, and how to keep costs under control.

The Big Expenses You Can’t Avoid

Buying and Converting a Van

The cost of van life starts before you even hit the road. Whether you buy new or used, and whether you opt for a DIY van build or a professional conversion, your upfront expenses will shape your overall budget.

The Cost of the Van Itself

A new Sprinter van, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster can run anywhere from $40K to $70K, depending on the model and features. Four-wheel drive, high roofs, and extended wheelbases push the price even higher. While buying new likely means fewer immediate repairs, it also means higher monthly costs if you finance.

A used van is the cheaper option, usually ringing in around $15K–$30K for an older cargo van or passenger van. But used vans come with higher mileage, potential mechanical issues, and usually a need for repairs before converting. If you’re going this route, budget extra for oil changes, new tires, and other fixes before the van is road-trip ready.

DIY vs. Professional Van Conversion Cost

Once you have the van, you need to turn it into a livable space. The price tag for this depends on whether you go the DIY route or hire a professional conversion company.

A DIY van build can start as low as $5K–$20K, but that’s for a basic setup. If you want full insulation, a solar power system, plumbing, and custom cabinetry, expect to spend quite a bit more. You can save money on a DIY van conversion by looking for used materials on Facebook Marketplace, repurposing furniture from thrift stores, and doing all the labor yourself.

If you go with a professional van conversion, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50K to $100K+ and that’s on top of the cost of the van. High-end van builders like Outside Van or Storyteller Overland charge upwards of $150K, but they deliver a turnkey camper van with top-tier electrical systems, plumbing, and high-quality finishes.

Off-Grid Upgrades That Add to the Total Cost

Van life is easier with a self-sufficient setup, but off-grid upgrades do add to the overall cost.

Solar panels and batteries for an independent power system start at $2K for a basic setup and go up to $10K+ for high-capacity lithium batteries. A propane stove and heating system cost between $200–$1,500, depending on whether you install a full propane system or stick with a portable stove. And water systems, including a freshwater tank and filtration, can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on complexity.

Converting a van is one of the biggest upfront costs of van life, but there are definitely ways to make it more affordable.

Gas and Maintenance

Fuel is one of the biggest van life expenses, and how much you spend depends on how you travel. Stick to free campsites and move slowly? You might spend $200 a month. Covering long distances every week? Expect to shell out $600 or more.

A Sprinter van, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster gets 14–20 MPG, but a heavy van build will eat into that. Watching gas prices and planning your fill-ups wisely can help stretch your budget.

Routine maintenance also adds up fast. Oil changes, new brake pads, tire rotations—they’re all part of the deal. And since cargo vans and camper vans are heavier than your average car, parts wear out faster. Plan for at least a few hundred bucks a year in upkeep.

Then there are the surprise expenses, because at some point, something will break. A bad transmission, electrical failure, or blown alternator could set you back thousands. Doesn’t matter if your van is new or used, an emergency repair fund is non-negotiable.

Van Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Insurance is another unavoidable cost, and for full-time van lifers, it’s not as simple as a standard auto insurance policy. A mix of RV insurance and auto insurance usually does the trick, with annual costs running between $1,500–$2,500.

Not all insurance providers will cover a DIY camper van conversion, so don’t assume you’re covered. Companies like Progressive offer RV insurance policies for professionally built vans, but DIY builds can be trickier. Always read the fine print before committing.

And then there’s roadside assistance—because one day, you’ll need it. A good plan covers towing, dead batteries, and flat tires, but not all programs include large vans. Standard roadside assistance might leave you stranded, so van lifers often go with AAA RV Plus, Good Sam, or Coach-Net for reliable coverage.

The Costs People Tend to Forget About

Paying for Places to Sleep (Even If You Mostly Camp for Free)

Free campsites on public land like BLM land, national forests, and some trailheads help keep costs down, but they’re not always an option. In high-demand areas or near cities, you’ll likely have to pay.

Paid campsites and RV parks run $15–$50 per night, which adds up fast if you rely on them often. If you stay at paid sites just a few nights a month, that’s still $100–$300 in added costs.

For urban van dwellers, stealth camping is the go-to. Walmart parking lots, truck stops, and rest areas allow overnight parking in many places, but always check local rules before settling in.

Staying Clean on the Road

A gym membership at Planet Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness is one of the cheapest ways to get unlimited showers for around $22/month. If you don’t stay near cities, truck stop showers usually cost $10–$15 per use.

Laundry isn’t free either. Laundromats cost $5–$15 per load, and if you’re on the road full-time, that can add up. Stretching washes longer or using campground facilities when available helps cut down on costs.

Cooking Fuel, Water, and Trash Disposal

A propane stove is my go-to, and refills cost $5–$10. If you’re using an electric setup, you’ll need solar panels or a solid inverter, which can be a big upfront cost.

Water isn’t always free, either. Some public lands and gas stations offer free potable water, but RV dump stations and campgrounds may charge a small fee to fill up.

Trash disposal is another overlooked expense. In some areas, you’ll need to pay for waste drop-off, especially if you’re camping in places without public trash bins.

Health Insurance for Van Lifers

Healthcare is one of the trickiest costs to navigate in van life, and prices vary widely based on your state, income, and coverage level. Some van lifers get by on $100 a month, while others pay $450 or more for private insurance.

For full-time nomads, traditional employer-based plans aren’t an option. Some go with Medicaid (if they qualify), travel health insurance, or telehealth memberships for virtual doctor visits.

Accessing routine care and prescriptions can be a challenge without a permanent home address. Some friends of mine use a family address, mail forwarding services, or in-network providers in their home state to keep costs down and avoid coverage issues.

Internet, Cell Service, and Staying Connected

Cell phone plans with hotspots can range from $50–$150/month, depending on your data needs. Some of the best options for van lifers include Visible, T-Mobile Magenta, and Verizon unlimited plans.

For remote work or streaming, a hotspot device like a Verizon Jetpack or Starlink provides more reliable WiFi in off-grid areas.

But if you’re on a budget, public WiFi at coffee shops, libraries, and Amazon lockers can help you stay connected without racking up high monthly costs. You’ll just have to strategically plan stops around free WiFi zones to avoid paying extra for data.

Entertainment on the Road

More downtime can also mean more spending. Streaming services like Netflix, audiobooks, Kindle Unlimited, podcasts, gym memberships, climbing gyms. I hear it all the time from van life friends.. they often spend more on entertainment than they did before.

Then there’s local experiences. Hot springs, national park tours, gear rentals, and eating out all add up. Some people keep it cheap with free hikes and library cards, others lean into it. Either way, budget for it. These costs sneak up fast.

National Park Fees, Tolls, and Activities

National parks aren’t free. Entry fees range from $20–$35 per park, but an $80 National Park Annual Pass covers most parks for the year. If you’re visiting at least three, it’s a no-brainer. Some state parks have passes too, so check if one makes sense for where you travel.

Some highways, bridges, and even scenic routes charge tolls which can also add up fast. Apps like Google Maps or Waze help avoid them, but sometimes, paying up is the only option.

Van Life Can Be Affordable If You Plan for It

So how much does van life cost? It truly depends. Fuel, insurance, and food will always be your biggest expenses, but a good budget can help you keep those monthly expenses in check.

Going full-time or just testing it out? Either way, knowing your costs upfront makes van life way less stressful and way more sustainable. You can also join Camping.Tools, a free app where van lifers share tips, insights, and adventures. Connect with the community, swap advice, and document your own journey!